What are the responsibilities and job description for the T31 Deputy Programme Manager position at UK Ministry of Defence?
This role is based in NCHQ Portsmouth. Due to the nature of collaborative working across the T31 programme and wider Navy Acquisition Directorate, classification, and potential international aspects of the programme a high frequency of in-office attendance of approximately 3 days per week is likely. There will be a need to attend Bristol occasionally.
Job Summary
The Type 31 (T31) Frigate programme was the pathfinder for the Government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. The programme was launched in September 2017 and set out to deliver five ships against a baseline capability requirement for a general-purpose frigate. The contract for these five ships was placed in November 2019. T31 frigates will be at the heart of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet, deterring aggression and maintaining the security of the UK’s interests. They will work alongside our Allies to deliver UK warship presence across the globe. Flexible and adaptable by design, T31 frigates will undertake missions such as interception and disruption of those using the sea for unlawful purposes, collect intelligence, Defence engagement and assisting those in need.
Type 31 is currently in Manufacture phase as well as designing and acquiring the support and enduring training for the class.
The Director Navy Acquisition (DNA) organisation is the Navy’s centre of expertise for leading the delivery of major acquisition programmes. Programmes in our Portfolio are grouped into Programme Management Offices (PMO) according to the capability being delivered: Support Shipping Acquisition, Future Support Acquisition, Future Commando Force, Defence Marine Services (Next Generation) Naval Equipment & Systems Acquisition, and Ships Acquisition where this programme will be delivered from.
Each programme is led through its delivery phase by a dedicated core programme team. Supporting the programmes are a P3M Team (with specialists in Risk, Schedules, Benefits, Finance, Communications, Acceptance and Governance), and an Acquisition Portfolio Team (covering Portfolio Definition, Assurance and Governance).
We value diversity within our team and operate flexible ways of working; we support all our team members to find the right balance of home and office working that is right for them and the programmes.
Candidates should note that although initially assigned to the T31 programme, depending on resources and priorities staff may be assigned to support other Programmes within the Acquisition portfolio.
In Navy Command, our civil servants work alongside their military colleagues in jobs that matter; jobs which often have a direct impact on the quality of the operational capabilities we deliver. Roles can offer great job satisfaction and there are many opportunities to develop and progress both within the Department and across the wider Civil Service.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job Description
This is an exciting opportunity to work on a Category A GMPP funded programme. This role will form part of a Programme Team to co-ordinate and assure delivery of five T31 Frigates on behalf of the Senior Responsible Owner; you will be accountable to the T31 Programme Manager and will be required to deputise as and when required. Drawing on your knowledge and experience in a programme/project environment you will support the Programme Manager in the day-to-day management of the Programme.
Main Responsibilities Will Include:
Main Responsibilities Will Include:
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate evidence of knowledge and experience in the following areas:
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
An apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through an apprenticeship you will gain professional knowledge, practical experience, and the broader skills required to upskill you in your current role and pave the way for your future career. Most of the training will be ‘on-the-job’, with the remaining ‘off-the-job’ training often delivered by a training provider. This means minimal disruption and maximum impact.
Professional qualifications can be achieved through an apprenticeship and range from Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs), Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A Levels), and Levels 4 -7, which can give you a foundation degree, a full bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree. Apprenticeships normally last between 12 months - 3 years, depending on the level of the apprenticeship.
The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – we may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include: job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.
Candidates will need to provide a Job History and Statement of Suitability (1000 words).
Individuals are advised to tailor their Personal Statement to provide evidence of personal delivery in the following areas:
Interviews will be assessed against the following behaviours and technical skills.
Behaviours
If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.
Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.
Job Summary
The Type 31 (T31) Frigate programme was the pathfinder for the Government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. The programme was launched in September 2017 and set out to deliver five ships against a baseline capability requirement for a general-purpose frigate. The contract for these five ships was placed in November 2019. T31 frigates will be at the heart of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet, deterring aggression and maintaining the security of the UK’s interests. They will work alongside our Allies to deliver UK warship presence across the globe. Flexible and adaptable by design, T31 frigates will undertake missions such as interception and disruption of those using the sea for unlawful purposes, collect intelligence, Defence engagement and assisting those in need.
Type 31 is currently in Manufacture phase as well as designing and acquiring the support and enduring training for the class.
The Director Navy Acquisition (DNA) organisation is the Navy’s centre of expertise for leading the delivery of major acquisition programmes. Programmes in our Portfolio are grouped into Programme Management Offices (PMO) according to the capability being delivered: Support Shipping Acquisition, Future Support Acquisition, Future Commando Force, Defence Marine Services (Next Generation) Naval Equipment & Systems Acquisition, and Ships Acquisition where this programme will be delivered from.
Each programme is led through its delivery phase by a dedicated core programme team. Supporting the programmes are a P3M Team (with specialists in Risk, Schedules, Benefits, Finance, Communications, Acceptance and Governance), and an Acquisition Portfolio Team (covering Portfolio Definition, Assurance and Governance).
We value diversity within our team and operate flexible ways of working; we support all our team members to find the right balance of home and office working that is right for them and the programmes.
Candidates should note that although initially assigned to the T31 programme, depending on resources and priorities staff may be assigned to support other Programmes within the Acquisition portfolio.
In Navy Command, our civil servants work alongside their military colleagues in jobs that matter; jobs which often have a direct impact on the quality of the operational capabilities we deliver. Roles can offer great job satisfaction and there are many opportunities to develop and progress both within the Department and across the wider Civil Service.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job Description
This is an exciting opportunity to work on a Category A GMPP funded programme. This role will form part of a Programme Team to co-ordinate and assure delivery of five T31 Frigates on behalf of the Senior Responsible Owner; you will be accountable to the T31 Programme Manager and will be required to deputise as and when required. Drawing on your knowledge and experience in a programme/project environment you will support the Programme Manager in the day-to-day management of the Programme.
Main Responsibilities Will Include:
- Lead on discrete projects and activities to ensure the delivery of specific Defence Lines of Development (DLOD) dependencies as delegated by the Programme Manager to meet key programme milestones and deliverables. Support the DLODs in development of programme controls and provide direction to the Ships Acq PMO Programme Controls Teams.
- Provide tasking and manage the drumbeat of information flow from DLODs to the senior boards ensuring the accuracy and completeness of data and analysing the impact of data, identifying options or actions to resolve any issues.
- Build and maintain good working relationships with stakeholders to ensure complete customer satisfaction and good prospects for future business change.
- Lead the information management processes for the programme to achieve accuracy, security and maturity of information. Lead on routine and ad hoc reporting on the programme including quarterly PMRS reports, annual NAO reports, internal local reports and senior leadership reports/boards.
- Develop and implement and maintain a robust process to ensure the storage and archiving of programme data ensuring a full audit trail and log of programme decisions are recorded and retained according to MOD and NCHQ document storage policy and instructions. Ensure the software systems (SharePoint) provide a logical and accessible repository for all programme documentation.
- Carry out quality reviews and checks to ensure project operations are in line with Government policy and arrange for formal and mandatory assurance events to take place at key stages of the programme. Schedule the biannual DMPP Programme Reviews liaising on administration and content to ensure the SRO is well prepared. Prepare Risk Potential Assessments as directed by the Programme Manager to initiate Cabinet Office reviews (Gateway, PAR etc) and develop TORs if applicable. Liaise with Review Team to arrange T&S, facilities, interview arrangements, funding, and contracting mechanisms if appropriate.
- Lead work to capture lessons pertaining to the programme and share lessons arising from the programmes across the portfolio. Ensure close working across the DLODs to ensure lessons at project level (especially in manufacture) are captured and acted upon and identify and advise the Prog Mgr of opportunities that will have a significant benefit to the programme. Work with the programme controls teams and the NCHQ Centre of Excellence to manage the process and exploit appropriate systems e.g. DLIMS.
Main Responsibilities Will Include:
- Lead on discrete projects and activities to ensure the delivery of specific Defence Lines of Development (DLOD) dependencies as delegated by the Programme Manager to meet key programme milestones and deliverables. Support the DLODs in development of programme controls and provide direction to the Ships Acq PMO Programme Controls Teams.
- Provide tasking and manage the drumbeat of information flow from DLODs to the senior boards ensuring the accuracy and completeness of data and analysing the impact of data, identifying options or actions to resolve any issues.
- Build and maintain good working relationships with stakeholders to ensure complete customer satisfaction and good prospects for future business change.
- Lead the information management processes for the programme to achieve accuracy, security and maturity of information. Lead on routine and ad hoc reporting on the programme including quarterly PMRS reports, annual NAO reports, internal local reports and senior leadership reports/boards.
- Develop and implement and maintain a robust process to ensure the storage and archiving of programme data ensuring a full audit trail and log of programme decisions are recorded and retained according to MOD and NCHQ document storage policy and instructions. Ensure the software systems (SharePoint) provide a logical and accessible repository for all programme documentation.
- Carry out quality reviews and checks to ensure project operations are in line with Government policy and arrange for formal and mandatory assurance events to take place at key stages of the programme. Schedule the biannual DMPP Programme Reviews liaising on administration and content to ensure the SRO is well prepared. Prepare Risk Potential Assessments as directed by the Programme Manager to initiate Cabinet Office reviews (Gateway, PAR etc) and develop TORs if applicable. Liaise with Review Team to arrange T&S, facilities, interview arrangements, funding, and contracting mechanisms if appropriate.
- Lead work to capture lessons pertaining to the programme and share lessons arising from the programmes across the portfolio. Ensure close working across the DLODs to ensure lessons at project level (especially in manufacture) are captured and acted upon and identify and advise the Prog Mgr of opportunities that will have a significant benefit to the programme. Work with the programme controls teams and the NCHQ Centre of Excellence to manage the process and exploit appropriate systems e.g. DLIMS.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate evidence of knowledge and experience in the following areas:
- Programme Management & Leadership
- Risk, Issue & Opportunity management within a complex programme management setting
- Stakeholder management and influence within a programme management role
- Management and handling of sensitive and/or classified information
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- P3M12 Risk, Opportunity, and Issue Management
- P3M19 Stakeholder and Communications Management
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
- A very competitive pension scheme
- Personal & professional development
- Alternative working patterns for many roles
- Access to a confidential, professional support service
- Discount schemes
- Bicycle / season ticket loans
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
- Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year
An apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through an apprenticeship you will gain professional knowledge, practical experience, and the broader skills required to upskill you in your current role and pave the way for your future career. Most of the training will be ‘on-the-job’, with the remaining ‘off-the-job’ training often delivered by a training provider. This means minimal disruption and maximum impact.
Professional qualifications can be achieved through an apprenticeship and range from Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs), Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A Levels), and Levels 4 -7, which can give you a foundation degree, a full bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree. Apprenticeships normally last between 12 months - 3 years, depending on the level of the apprenticeship.
The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – we may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include: job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.
Candidates will need to provide a Job History and Statement of Suitability (1000 words).
Individuals are advised to tailor their Personal Statement to provide evidence of personal delivery in the following areas:
- Programme Management & Leadership
- Managing the timely delivery of multiple demands and activities
- Risk, Issue & Opportunity management within a programme management role
- Stakeholder management and influence within a programme management role
- Management and handling of sensitive and/or classified information
Interviews will be assessed against the following behaviours and technical skills.
Behaviours
- Delivering at Pace
- P3M12 Risk, Opportunity, and Issue Management
- P3M19 Stakeholder and Communications Management
If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.
Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
- Name : Jen Archer
- Email : jenny.archer119@mod.co.uk
- Telephone : 03001695468
- Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk
Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.
Salary : $44,590
